Public raises questions about AEDC payments and governance; council discusses timing for permanent board appointments

Several residents used the public‑comment period at the Amarillo City Council meeting to press for greater transparency and action on matters involving the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC).

Claudette Smith, an Amarillo resident, sharply criticized the city attorney’s conduct in public comment and urged the city manager to fire him. “This man is a disaster, a walking liability,” Smith told council regarding the city attorney; the city manager responded that staff‑employment concerns should be brought to him directly.

Two speakers raised questions about AEDC finances and a series of transactions to an organization called The Range (also referenced at the meeting). Mike Fisher asked about interest earned on AEDC funds and about several transactions of $250,000 each that he said were recorded as transfers to the Range, noting questions about tax‑status compatibility. David Simmers raised concerns about a previous payment from the AEDC to The Range and potential conflicts of interest if a person associated with the Range became mayor. Both speakers asked whether outside investigatory authorities had been or should be invited to review transactions.

Interim AEDC board chair Kevin Fairley told council he has an RFP prepared to hire an executive search firm for the AEDC director role but said the board first needs a permanent board in place to set direction and define desired qualifications for the CEO search. “We could send that thing out whenever we want,” Fairley said, asking council to appoint permanent members so the board can determine the organization’s direction and then hire a firm to recruit the next CEO.

Council members discussed the timeline. Some members said the AEDC issue is central to voters and preferred to wait until after the upcoming elections and any runoff so new council members can participate in appointments. Others expressed concern about delaying and suggested council conduct board appointments at the next meeting and allow a newly seated board to proceed quickly with selecting a search firm. The mayor asked staff to place a formal agenda item on April 22 for discussion and possible action to appoint a permanent AEDC board.

No formal council action on AEDC appointments took place at the meeting; council members will consider the item at an upcoming meeting and indicated they expect further briefing materials from staff and the interim chair.